under way

American  

adjective

1. Also (of a ship) no longer in port, at anchor, etc.; moving.

2. no longer at rest, stationary, etc.; in motion; traveling.

   We'll put our bags in the car and be under way.

3. proceeding; in progress.

   Plans are under way to sell the company.

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under way British  

adjective

1. in progress; in operation

   the show was under way

2. nautical in motion

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under way Idioms  

1. In motion, as in The ship got under way at noon . [c. 1930]

2. Already started, in progress, as in Plans are under way to expand . [c. 1930]

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Example Sentences

Verne, founded in 2019, said discussions were under way in 11 cities across the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

While epidemiological assessments and testing are still under way, Van Kerkhove said the WHO is operating under the assumption that this hantavirus virus is the Andes variant.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

Preliminary data show this shift in the fiscal landscape might already be under way.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

Match referee England explained this to the two captains before play got under way again.

From BBC • May 3, 2026

Because seasons are reversed in the Southern Hemisphere, spring was well under way as the coast of South America slipped away to the northwest.

From "Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World" by Jennifer Armstrong